The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger. I LOVE that book. That was the first book I read where I said to myself, I want to meet each character and I really want to meet the Author. (JD Salinger). I love how raw and honest that book was and how it just made me really want to be friends with Holden. I read that book at least once a year to remember how amazing it actually is.

2. Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?

So many authors inspire me – JD is one of them. As Joyce Maynard is one also – I’ve loved a lot of her books and her truth. I manly identify with Authors who write Memoirs – Augusten Burroughs, Kelly Corrigan, Caroline Knapp (who sadly has departed). I love reading about reality vs the world of fiction – I just feel there is so much more soul and love in reading someone else’s journey.

3. If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?

I have thought about this for a while now – Haha! I would love to think Sandy Bullock or Courtney Cox for myself? (wishful thinking!) for my ex boyfriends, I have a few in mind to play specific ones. Brad Pitt would be Sexy Bad Boy, Josh Hartnett would be Brad Turner and possibly Owen Wilson or Matt McConaughey to play Dean. I have a rather large case of characters in my Memoir – so I’d really need to think on that longer for some of the female leads. Helen Hunt or Amy Adams for Suzy and maybe Elizabeth Banks for Jenny and maybe Jennifer Lawrence for Kella.

4. What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

My best accomplishment is getting sober. Bar none. Nothing else can really top that for me. It’s the one thing in my life that I can hold and say, “Yes I decided to try this and see how it would take” I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to maintain my sobriety and for me I need to keep it real and not take it for granted because not everyone gets the gift of recovery. It truly is a gift.

5. Is this your first book? How many books have you written prior (if any?)

This is my first book. I had a short story published in a book compilation a few years ago. I’d like to think I have a 2nd book in me. I’m thinking of putting a compilation book together on some of my essays or maybe another Memoir from another snippet of my life? Not sure yet, we’ll see…..

Crazy Question – 6. Have you ever been in trouble with the police?

YES, twice. DUI arrests. They are no fun. I don’t recommend them for anyone! But the 2nd one saved my life.